Special Forces Qualification Course Training Plan
$59.00
- 7 Week, 6x day/week specifically for the Special Forces Qualification Course, especially Phase I
- Includes specific AFT work, as well as running and rucking assessments and work capacity efforts
- Assessment-based plan will automatically scale to your initial fitness level
- This training plan is one of the 450+ Plans included with an Athlete’s Subscription.
Description
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The following 7-week training plan is designed to train specifically for the Special Forces Qualification Course (Q-Course). This training plan is designed to be completed the 7 weeks directly before you report to the Q Course. This is a intense plan and requires commitment to complete the plan
This training program deploys the assessment during Weeks 1, 4 and 7. The program uses your latest assessment event results for the follow-on progressions. In this way the program automatically “scales” to the incoming fitness of each individual athlete, and ensures that each athlete is pushed throughout the program.
This is Version 3 of the plan, updated in July 2025.
This training plan is primarily assessment-based, and focused on the assessments you’ll face at the Q-Course, including:
- AFT
- 5 Mile Run
- Max Rep Pull Ups
- 12 Mile Ruck @ 45# + 10# dumbbell or rubber rifle
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
In addition to programming for these assessments, this training plan also trains general work capacity and chassis integrity (functional core), as well as land navigation.
Weeks 1, 4 and 7 in the plan are assessment weeks. Below is the training schedule for these Assessment Weeks:
- Monday: AFT Assessment
- Tuesday: 5 Mile Run, Max Rep Pull Up, Rope Climb (pass/fail), Swim (pass/fail)
- Wednesday: 8-Mile or 12 Mile Ruck Assessment
- Thursday: AFT Progression
- Friday: Run, Pull Up Intervals
- Saturday: 6-Mile Land Navigation Practice or Total Rest
Weeks 2, 3, 5 and 6 in the plan are progression weeks. Below is the training schedule for these Progression Weeks:
- Monday: AFT Progression
- Tuesday: Ruck Intervals
- Wednesday: Run & Pull Up Intervals
- Thursday: AFT Progression
- Friday: Work Capacity/Chassis Integrity
- Saturday: 6-Mile Land Navigation Practice or Total Rest
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Stopwatch with a repeating countdown timer (Timex Ironman or smart phone will work)
- Running area (track or other) with known 800m, 2 mile and 4 mile distances.
- Ruck with 45# load
- 10# dumbbell, sledge or rubber rifle
- 10# and 20 or 25# Medicine Balls
- Trap Bar and plates for dead lifts (AFT)
- 2x 45# Kettlebells or dumbbells for the AFT
- Pull Up Bar
- Sled and load for the AFT
- 40# Sandbag for women, 60# sandbag for men
COMMON QUESTIONS
What if I miss a day?
Begin where you left off when you return to training. This program is progressed – each session builds upon the prior session – so don’t skip a session or skip around. Follow the training sessions in order, regardless.
What if I can’t do the whole session?
If you don’t have enough time to complete the whole session, you can split the session into two.
If the session calls for 5x walking lunges, does that mean 5x walking lunges total or 5x each leg?
5x each leg, 10x total.
What if I can’t make the prescribed reps for the bodyweight exercises, or the prescribed interval times for runs?
Do your best, and be sure to do the total number of rounds, even if you can’t make the reps or the time. Don’t quit.
Where do I find unfamiliar exercises?
See our Exercise Library HERE. The Run/Ruck Calculator is listed as an exercise.
What about nutrition?
See our Nutritional Guidelines HERE.
Can I print out sessions to take to the gym?
Yes – you can print a week of programming at a time.
More Questions? Email: coach@mtntactical.com
DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.
Required Equipment
- Stopwatch with a repeating countdown timer (Timex Ironman or smart phone will work)
- Running area (track or other) with known 800m, 2 mile and 4 mile distances.
- Ruck with 45# load
- 10# dumbbell, sledge or rubber rifle
- 10# and 20 or 25# Medicine Balls
- Trap Bar and plates for dead lifts (ACFT)
- 2x 45# Kettlebells or dumbbells for the ACFT
- Pull Up Bar
- Sled and load for the ACFT
- 40# Sandbag for women, 60# sandbag for men
Sample Training
Below is the First Week from this Training Plan:
SESSION 1
Obj: Assessment – AFT No. 1
Warm Up:
3 Rounds
8x Dead Lift – Increase weight as you warm up
4x Hand Release Push Ups
4x 25m Shuttle
8x Sit Ups
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) Work Up to 3RM Dead Lift
– Note: You have just 5 minutes. We recommend two 3-rep efforts working up, then 1–2x 3RM attempts. Don’t go heavier than 420 pounds.
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(2) Max Hand Release Push Ups in 2 Minutes
– Note: Rest position is in the front leaning rest position (high plank)
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(3) Sprint-Drag-Carry for Time
– Note: Start from prone, drag a 90# sled, and carry 45# kettlebells or dumbbells
*** Rest 2 Minutes
(4) Max Plank for Time
*** Rest 5 Minutes
(5) Run 2 Miles for Time
RECORD ALL SCORES
SESSION 2
Obj: Run, Pull Up, Swim and Rope Climb Assessment
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squat
10x Hand Release Push Ups
10x Sit Ups
Run 100m
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) Run 5 Miles for Time
RECORD RESULTS
(2) Max Rep Pull Ups
RECORD RESULTS
(3) 30-Foot Rope Climb
PASS/FAIL
(4) Swim 50m in Cammies and Boots
PASS/FAIL
SESSION 3
Obj: Ruck Assessment
Warm Up:
—
Training:
(1) Ruck 8 Miles for Time
– 45# Ruck + Rifle, Rubber Mallet, or 10# Dumbbell
– This is a timed assessment
– Ruck run the entire 8 miles if possible
– If not, run/walk to finish as fast as you can
– Wear full cammies and boots
RECORD RESULT
SESSION 4
Obj: AFT Progressions
Warm Up:
5 Rounds
5x Squat
5x Squat Jump
4x 25m Shuttle
Instep Stretch
Training:
(1) 4 Rounds, Every 1:15
150m Shuttle
(2) 3 Rounds
– 100m Shuttle dragging 90# sled – Rest 30 sec
– 100m Lateral Shuttle – Rest 30 sec
– 100m Shuttle carrying 45# kettlebells or dumbbells
– Rest 1 minute between efforts
Note: 100m Shuttle = 25m down, back, down, back
(3) 3 Rounds
Run 800m – Use your "800m Interval Pace" from SESSION 1 AFT 2-Mile Run using the MTI Running Calculator
Rest 4 Minutes Between Efforts
Running Calculator
(4) 2 Rounds
HAM – Hip Mobility Drill
SESSION 5
Obj: Run Intervals, Pull Ups
Warm Up:
4 Rounds
10x Squat
10x Hand Release Push Ups
10x Sit Ups
Run 100m
Instep Stretch
Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
(1) 2 Rounds
Run 2 Miles – Use your "2-Mile Interval Pace" based on SESSION 2 5-Mile Run Time and the MTI Running Calculator
Rest 10 Minutes Between Efforts
Running Calculator
(2) 6 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds
30% of SESSION 2 Pull Ups Assessment
– Example: If Pull Up score was 10, perform 3 reps each round
– Set a countdown timer for 75 seconds. Start on “Go,” complete assigned reps. The faster you finish, the more rest you get.
(3) 1 Round
Foam Roll Complex
SESSION 6
Obj: Land Navigation
Warm Up:
—
Training:
(1) 6-Mile Land Navigation
– 45# Ruck + Rifle, Rubber Mallet, or 10# Dumbbell
– Ideally over rolling terrain with 3 objectives
4-Hour Time Limit
Our Stuff Works. Guaranteed.
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